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a Down syndrome support group in Augusta, Georgia

CSRA Buddy Walk

About the Buddy Walk

Since 1995, the Buddy Walk® has become the premier advocacy event for Down Syndrome in the United States. It is also the world’s most widely recognized public awareness program for the Down syndrome community.

The CSRA (Central Savannah River Area) Buddy Walk will be held in Aiken and Augusta in alternating years, with Upside of Downs Augusta and Upside of Downs Aiken each hosting in their respective years.

The 11th Annual Buddy Walk will be hosted by the Upside of Downs on October 13, 2018, at the Augusta University Summerville Campus.

FAQ’s

Do I need to know someone with Down syndrome to participate in a Buddy Walk®?
Not at all. The goal of the Buddy Walk® is to promote understanding and acceptance of people with Down syndrome. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does or just want to show your support, come and join a Buddy Walk®!

Is there an age requirement for the Buddy Walk®?
All participants are welcome! From strollers to seniors, all supporters of individuals with Down syndrome are invited to participate. Buddy Walk® events are great places to network with families and learn more about support services available.

How far is the official distance of the Walk?
The Walk is less than a mile and will be held on the Augusta University Summerville Campus. There will be enough time to rest during the walk.

Do I need to register in advance?
Registering in advance helps us with the planning of the event and ensures that you will receive a T-shirt.

What if I have missed the due date for registrations?
You are still most welcome to attend the event.

What does it cost to attend the Buddy Walk®?
Registration is free. We do however encourage our supporters to purchase a Buddy Walk® T-shirt for $10 to show support for our Buddies. To order your T-shirt, please submit the online registration form no later than September 15, to assure that we have your T-shirt ready for you on the day of the event. T-shirts will still be available for purchase at the event, but we can not guarantee that we will have your specific size.

There will be a silent auction for those who wish to participate in that.

Do I need to join a team?
You do not have to join a team. You are welcome to just come and enjoy the walk and the activities.

Teams are a great way to show support for a specific Buddy and a wonderful opportunity to raise funds for a good cause. The Upside of Downs is a non-profit organisation and funds raised at the event are used in many ways to help our Buddies live a purpose-driven life.

What do the funds raised at the Buddy Walk® support?
Each Buddy Walk® is required to give 7% of funds raised to NDSS, which directly supports the NDSS National Policy Center.

We strive to provide support, education and advocacy for people with Down syndrome, their families and communities and are committed to our ongoing work of ensuring that people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to be accepted & included in every aspect of a full and complete life. Your contribution will help make this advocacy work possible.

Register Online

Volunteer

As the largest advocacy event of the year for the Upside of Downs (Augusta + Aiken), the Buddy Walk would not be a success without the time and talents of many volunteers. Whether you can join the planning committee for a more detailed perspective in the months leading up to the walk or help out in celebrating on the day of the event, we need you!